discriminatory

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
-ˈskrim-nə-
1
2
: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
discriminatorily adverb

Examples of discriminatory in a Sentence

The law prohibits discriminatory hiring practices. a company that was fined for its discriminatory practices in the hiring of women
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As a result, the state contends, its colleges lose out on tens of millions of dollars because of discriminatory requirements. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 By allowing immigration agents to resume racially discriminatory stops, the court has greenlit a campaign of terror that not only threatens immigrants across Los Angeles and surrounding counties but also sets a horrible precedent that will impact people nationwide. Norma Chavez-Peterson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025 In 2021, Uber agreed in a settlement with the Justice Department to pay more than $2 million to tens of thousands of riders and to make policy changes after it was accused of charging discriminatory fees due to disability. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025 The selection of the jury came after Routh accused prosecutors of discriminatory practices, causing tensions to flare in the courtroom. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discriminatory

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of discriminatory was in 1745

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Cite this Entry

“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

discriminatory

adjective
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: showing discrimination : being unfair
discriminatory treatment

Legal Definition

discriminatory

adjective
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry dis-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
1
: applying discrimination in treatment
2
: having unlawful discrimination as an effect
discriminatorily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on discriminatory

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